A Graduation Gift

The nurse changed and put up a new IV bottle for Rufus. Michelle, in the meanwhile, accompanied the nurse and sat on the bed where Rufus lay unconscious. Seeing his condition, she was quite perturbed. The doctor had guaranteed that he was going to be fine, but her fear arose from the fact he was still not awake.

Just when she was fretting over Rufus, her phone rang. "I have arrived at the airport. Now please come to fetch me,"

Jasper informed, aloud. It had only been a few seconds since he got off the plane. The cacophony in the airport compelled him to speak loudly. When he learned that Rufus had met with a car accident, he went blank for a few minutes. As soon as he composed himself, he handed over some work and flew back to G City. He remembered his last meeting with Rufus which made him aware how a person's life could change in a blink of an eye.

Once she realized she had to pick Jasper from the airport, Michelle called the nursing assistance. Calmly, she filled her in with details to which some special attention should be paid. Then unwillingly, she left Rufus and headed to the airport. A moment later, Amanda arrived at the hospital to visit Rufus.

Her eyes were watery and she took slow anxious steps. She sat beside him and entwined her fingers with Rufus's lifeless fingers. Affectionately, she stared into his face.

Rufus, who had been unconscious for two days, slowly opened his eyes.

The white ceiling of the inpatient ward came into his sight. Since his eyes were used to darkness, the sudden contact with the bright light made his eyes sore. So he closed them again. He tried to move his heavy body, but failed miserably. The second time he opened his eyes, he noticed a girl sitting next to him.

"Rufus! Finally you're awake!"

Amanda exclaimed excitedly as she tightened her grasp on his hand.

Rufus blinked his eyes several times since he wasn't able to make out who the lady was. Once he understood it was Amanda, disappointment surged through his body. He was hoping to see Cassandra instead.

"Oh...so it's you,"

a hoarse voice. He was too weak to speak and didn't bother to

on the bed

looked so vulnerable that he felt compelled to console her. As a way of showing his support, he gently pressed her hand.

Rufus looked around the ward expecting to see her. After several inspection, he

when he was in coma. 'Am I getting confused? Was it Amanda?' he thought dubiously. 'No no! It can't be. I clearly remember it was Cassandra who gave me mouth-to-mouth breathing after the accident. But where is

see Cassandra. As a matter of fact, the first thing he expected to see when he opened his eyes was

while. Maybe she went out to fetch something. Or wait, could it be that she has no idea about this accident?' his mind

believe his memory. Everything he thought he had seen could be work of

how her tears glided down and tumbled into his mouth. Even now he could summon up the salty aftertaste.

"Where is Cassandra?"

the strength and asked.

no idea. A while ago I saw your aunt leave.

pouring out my heart and his only concern is Cassandra?' Amanda thought

response led Rufus's heart to sink even further. A strong sense of loss struck him.

then I am wrong. Maybe she never came to see me. I probably dreamed of it! Why would she come? She is furious at me and wants a break up. How could she

the bewildered look on Rufus's face,